Waters breaking early (PPROM)

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Your unborn baby lies in an amniotic sac of fluid or ‘waters’. ‘Waters breaking’ means that the sac has ruptured or broken. Your waters normally break around the time labour is due but in around 2% of pregnancies they break early for various reasons (see below).

If your waters break before your baby has reached full term (37 weeks), the medical name for it is preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes, or PPROM. If this happens early, before the contractions start, it can (but does not always) trigger early labour.

Have my waters broken early (PPROM)?

If your waters have broken early, you will experience it as a trickle or a gush of water from your vagina. It is likely to continue leaking once it has started If it isn't too heavy you can use a sanitary towel to catch it. This will also allow you to see what colour it is, which will be helpful information for health professionals. It may be pinkish if it contains some blood, or it may be clear. If it greenish or brown go to the maternity unit as soon as possible.If it is heavy, you may need to use a towel.

Phone your maternity unit immediately for advice.

What are the risks if my waters break early (PPROM)?

If your waters break early the risks and treatment are dependent on the stage of pregnancy you are at.

You are at risk of going into labour prematurely – the health risks for the baby of early birth are greater the younger they are.

If you do not go into labour, you and the baby are at risk of infection.

The doctors have to balance these two considerations. If the waters have broken because of infection, you and the baby have a high risk of getting the infection and you may need to deliver sooner to prevent this.

If the waters have broken but there is no infection currently present, you and the baby are still at risk but the immediate risk is lesser and your treatment will depend on your stage of pregnancy.

If you are under 24 weeks of pregnancy and the baby is born, sadly, it is unlikely the baby will survive.

If you are over 30 weeks and the baby is born, the likelihood of your baby surviving is much higher - over 95%

What will happen if my waters break early (PPROM)?

You are likely to have an internal examination. This will allow the doctor to look at your cervix and check:

if the leaking fluid is amniotic fluid

if it is changing in preparation for labour

to check for infection by taking a swab.

You might have an ultrasound scan to estimate the amount of fluid left around your baby.

If only a very small amount of amniotic fluid leaks, it is not always easy to be sure whether your waters have broken.

You may be advised to wear a pad and stay in hospital for a few hours to monitor the situation.

If you go home but continue to leak fluid at home, you should return to the hospital again.

If your waters are shown to have broken, you will be advised to come into hospital for at least 48 hours. You and your unborn baby will be closely monitored for signs of infection. This will include having your temperature and pulse taken regularly, and your baby’s heart rate will also be monitored.

Going home from hospital with PPROM

If there is no infection present you may be able to go home. You will be at risk from infection however, and you will need to self-monitor by

checking that your temperature is normal (37 °C or less) every 4–8 hours

checking the colour of the fluid does not change by wearing a pad.

You should avoid having sexual intercourse.

Contact your doctor or midwife and return to the hospital immediately if you have:

Inducing labour or premature labour with PPROM

If you are past 34 weeks the doctor will weigh up the benefits of inducing labour before the due date to avoid the risk of infection with the disadvantages of being born premature, and may make a recommendation for early delivery.

You may need to stay in a hospital that has a neonatal unit and be monitored carefully for any sign of infection. You may also be treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate (if you are less than 30 weeks) to help prepare your baby in case the are born prematurely.

Over 80% of women who have PPROM deliver their baby within seven days of their waters breaking.

What if there are no waters left in my womb?

Your baby’s amniotic sac has to have the right amount of amniotic fluid for the pregnancy to continue normally. If there is a break in the waters your baby will continue to produce amniotic fluid.

Before 23 weeks, the baby needs ‘waters’ to be present for their lungs to develop normally. Loss of water before this can lead to severe problems with lung development that can be critical after birth. After 23 weeks your baby does not need the amniotic fluid so much, so low levels of fluid may not be a problem in itself, but if the low levels are due to your waters breaking then there is a risk of infection.

Causes of waters breaking early (PPROM)

Intrauterine infection is present in around a third of women with PPROM. In many cases however it happens without any infection being present. The reason for these cases is unclear, however it has been linked to heavy smoking (more than 10 cigarettes a day) in pregnancy

By Maureen (not verified) on 30 Jan 2018 - 07:30

By Lupita lopez (not verified) on 27 Feb 2018 - 21:49

Hi. Thank you for sharing. I’m currently on bed rest in the hospital. Waters broke at 27 weeks. I’m now 31 weeks. Your story gave me hope for a happy ending. I’m struggling to be calm. I’ve got one more month to go. I’ve got a 6,4,&2 year old at home. Hardly any help. My hubby is tired and sometimes anxious. Now they’ve got the flu. I’m discouraged. But I’m happy to hear your story. Congratulations on your long coats.

By Midwife @Tommys on 28 Feb 2018 - 12:24

By Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Dec 2017 - 08:15

Hi Dr, my names are AJ.. I had my water break at exactly 27 weeks and am now having greenish discharch..now my worry is that for how long can a baby stay in this state. Am on antibiotics to prevent infections and taking a lot of fluids

By Midwife @Tommys on 4 Dec 2017 - 15:06

By Tanisha Cooper (not verified) on 30 Nov 2017 - 17:11

Hi, my waters broke at 25 weeks and 3 days, I have just been released from hospital today. I had my steroid injections, antibiotics and regular checks on the wee one. Now, that I am released I have to attend my hospital twice a week for up checks. I was told I am at very high risk of infection and I have too very cautious. However, when they discharged me today, I was not giving any antibiotics. I have a few questions about the entire experience.

Is it normal to be sent home with no antibiotics?
How long do I have left with her still inside me?
What will her health be like once she is out?
What could cause me to go into labour?
Will I have to be a dilated as most women to deliver?
Will my labour be more painful or faster?
Could my signs of labour be different?
What’s chance of my baby surviving?
How will I know if she is healthy when am not in the hospital?

By Midwife @Tommys on 1 Dec 2017 - 11:22

Hi Tanisha,
I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing such a difficult and worrying time in your pregnancy at the moment. Your post contains a lot of questions which is completely understandable, however it is a lot to talk through. If you wouldn't mind, could you copy and paste your message and put in an email to us and we can provide you with a more substantial answer. Our email address is [email protected], we look forward to hearing from you.

By Kay (not verified) on 17 Nov 2017 - 11:59

Hello , I was pregnant with twins , lost the first baby at 8 weeks and at 12 weeks exactly I pprom and lost the second baby. The second baby was diagnosed with Kleinfelters syndrome among other chromosome issues. I have been to 3 Drs the first one said that it was due to the chromosome issues of the baby the second one said due to it being a multiple pregnancy and the third one said maybe bacterial infection. At the time of the incident a blood analysis was done to confirm that my white cell count was normal and therefore no infection.... would a bacterial vaginal infection show up on a blood analysis? could it happen again? in your experience what do u think the reason behind it is ?

By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Nov 2017 - 09:12

Hi Kay
I am so sorry to hear about what you have been going through, that sounds like a really tough experience.
It is really very difficult to say- not being able to access your full medical history, as your doctors have been able to, i do not want to give you inaccurate information based on you as an individual. Your doctors are all best placed to answer these questions for you based on both your medical and obstetric history together, as well as your blood work and swabs etc.
No two pregnancies are ever the same. As are each and every developing fetus. So it is possible for this to happen again, but it may also never re-occur.
It might be easier for you to call and have a chat with us on the pregnancyline (08000147800) so that we can explore our ideas together! Please take good care of yourself!

By Anonymous (not verified) on 25 Nov 2017 - 06:23

Sorry about your loss. I was about peeing 1pm on yesterday Thanksgiving day when I felt a gush of water all over the floor. Immediately after wiping I saw blood and rushed to the emergency. They did ultrasound, said baby’s heartbeat was fine but there’s no amniotic fluid and sent me home. Went to 2 different health care centers but they were all closed for the holiday. Took a couple of vitamin c and kept drinking water and peeing. Was able to sleep for a couple of hours only to wake at 2am to painful contractions. I prayed, oh I prayed, by 4am, took off to another emergency and they did another ultrasound only for me to be told my baby is gone and I should have come earlier, they wondered why the other emergency center sent me home. I’m 20 weeks today Black Friday. Had to deliver naturally with epidural and some anesthetic as the contractions were horrible. Honestly I couldn’t look at my baby (Saint) but told the nurse to keep her picture in my bag. I’m here wondering tonight on Black Friday how and why all this could happen to me this thanksgiving period. #verysad

By Midwife @Tommys on 27 Nov 2017 - 09:54

Thank you for sharing your story. I am sure this is very raw for you and we send our condolences to you and your family at this very sad time. I am glad that you have found our site and hope that you get some comfort from sharing your experience. Tommy's continue to fund research into miscarriage and stillbirth in the hope that one day we will find some answers to help other women in your position. Best wishes from Tommy's midwives x

By Anonymous (not verified) on 4 Dec 2017 - 10:43

I also gave birth on Black Friday . Water broker at 21 weeks. I lost all fluid . Spent 48 hours in the hospitals then sent home on bed rest for 72 hours. I started retaining fluid so things looked good, but on Black Friday I went into labor . My baby , Roman , only lived for 2 hours . I was 22wks and3 days. Now all I have is a picture holding him as a memory . Seems like it was all a dream. It’s very painful . I’m always wondering why? What could I have done different ? You’re not alone .

By Athulya (not verified) on 2 Nov 2017 - 22:26

Mam,iam 31+5 days pregnant,but according to scan it’s 29+only.this time I came for scanning then the doctor informed me that ur AFI become 6.4 from 11(that’s is done previously).but I have no leaking also.doctor admitted me in hospital and given 2 doses of betamethasone.mam can u explain to me what was the cause of this decreased AFI ,( from 11 to 6.4)explain what was the cause and what I will do for managing this problem.and I need any bed rest???

By Midwife @Tommys on 3 Nov 2017 - 16:48

Hi,
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing such an anxious time in your pregnancy. I am afraid it is difficult to be able to know exactly why the AFI has dropped so quickly, especially if you are not leaking any fluid. However you have been admitted to hospital and being monitored closely, they will make sure that you and your baby are well. If there is any sign of infection or concerns about the baby's health and development then they will need to deliver the baby early. If there has been a sudden drop in your baby's growth then again it maybe safer to deliver your baby sooner rather than later however it is important to weigh up everything that is happening and decided what is safest for you both. You should be involved in decision making process and fully understanding what is happening, if not then do ask the midwife or doctor looking after you. If we can support you further then please do email us, [email protected] and we will help as much as we can. Take care

By Anonymous (not verified) on 16 Aug 2017 - 05:08

Im 26 weeks n just found out tht i hve reprured membranes n hve littl fluids left. What r th chances of my bby surviving. What would you sugest is th best plan 4 us ryt nw. Im addmited put on antibiotics n bed n we closely monitored th heart beat is good n i still feel moving. How long can she stay inside me with little or no fluids. Plz advice

By Midwife @Tommys on 16 Aug 2017 - 09:45

Hi there. I am so sorry to hear what a difficult time you are going through. I am glad to hear that you have been admitted and are on bed rest and close monitoring- being taken good care of by being put on antibiotics too. Your obstetric doctors and neonatal doctors are best placed to discuss these options with you as they are caring for you and so know your full medical history, obstetric history and current status with regards to your blood tests and scans etc. Being 26 weeks means that she can stay inside with little or no water around her, but your team caring for you will be balancing keeping her inside you, and the decision to deliver her early if there is a concern about ongoing infection if there is one (you have been put on antibiotics, so i presume that they might suspect an infection.) It is great to hear that she is doing well, moving around inside and with a good heartbeat. This can be quite common and many go on to carry their baby for many weeks more after PPROM, but each case is different and the plan of care will be made with you and your baby as the focus, and something that you are comfortable with. Please feel free to contact us again if you have any more questions or concerns. Please take care of yourself!

By Sibbyrose (not verified) on 8 Aug 2017 - 20:46

By Midwife @Tommys on 9 Aug 2017 - 09:14

Hi Sibbyrose.
I am sorry to hear that you have been having a difficult time! You are well within your rights to make an extra appointment with your midwife/obstetric doctor to discuss and amend this plan of care if possible. They need to discuss with you, why they feel that your situation has changed in now allowing you to go full term instead of the planned induction at 34 weeks. And then you can voice your concerns in relation to this. Usually, it is safer for the baby to stay in utero and grow/develop a little more. There is a fine balance between early delivery and optimal health of the baby. Please get another appointment made as urgently as you can in order to discuss this further with your care team. You could also contact your hospital's Consultant Midwife who could become involved in your care plan and help to inform and guide you further. Please take good care of yourself

By Anonymous (not verified) on 27 Jul 2017 - 08:16

I lost my little boy 2 weeks ago at 34 weeks, my waters broke at 33 weeks out the blue, I had monitoring & antibiotics, sent home. Went back 4 days later they did bloods and listened to his heart beat, all fine so sent home. Movement stopped 2 days later and that's when we found we lost him. I can't help but feel they should of scanned me to check everything was still working, cord & placenta wise. They said my placenta has started to come away and there was a clot, the cord was wrapped around his ankle but couldn't be sure if these contributed to his death or not. I read somewhere pprom can cause your placenta to come away..
I just feel like I'm going to get fobbed off with it just been 'unlucky'.
I pprom with my girl at 35 weeks aswell but they delivered her quicker. Could having pre cancerous cells removed from my cervix keep causing my waters to break? I never go into labour they just go spontaneously, wondering if it's worth getting my cervix looked at? Thanks

By Midwife @Tommys on 27 Jul 2017 - 12:23

Hi, thank you for sharing your story, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your little boy, we can't even begin to imagine how you and your family are feeling at this time. It is understandable that you want answers to the questions that you have. It is difficult to comment without your hospital notes and having more information. It would be worth contacting the hospital to have a debrief of what has happened and what were the reasons behind the management of your care.

With regards to the treatment on the cervix to remove pre cancerous cells, will all depend on the type of procedure that you had. There may be a risk of premature birth being linked to cervical treatment but again this would depend upon the procedure that you had. It would be advisable to check to see if you did have an invasive procedure on the cervix that may be a contributing factor, your GP should be able to give you more information.

If you would like to talk more about this them please call or email the Tommy's Midwives on [email protected] or 0800 0147 800 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Take care Tommy's Midwives x

By Anonymous (not verified) on 19 Jul 2017 - 18:30

7-19-2017 4am
Hi. I am 29weeks and 6days pregnant. I could feel a gush of fluid coming out from my vagina. The fluid is clear. Spotting is found too.

7-19-2017 9am
I admitted to hospital. Scan conducted and confirm that there's good amount of fluid inside. Baby weighs 1.66kg. Vagina swap and blood was conducted.

7-19-2017 10am
Steroids injection was given

7-19-2017 11am
Antibiotics was given

7-19-2017 8pm
Second antibiotics was given

7-19-2017 10pm
Second steroids injection was given.

My blood result shows that my white cell count is alright. No sign of infection. My body temperature and blood pressure is measured every 3 hours and both readings are ok. My baby's heart beat is measured every 4 hours and it's ok as well.

But I'm still having slight leaking from time to time. Is there any chances for the leaking to stop and drag my pregnancy till 34 or 36 weeks?

By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Jul 2017 - 11:55

Hello,
It sounds like the hospital is doing everything in order to increase your chances of going as close to your due date as possible. It is difficult to say in these types of situations whether you will get to 34 or 36 weeks as it is dependent on any infection, fluid around your baby, your observations and bloods as well as the heart rate monitoring.
Please feel free to contact Tommy's if you would like to discuss further on 0800 0147 800/

By Shikha (not verified) on 17 Jul 2017 - 15:46

Hii ..my water broke at 22 weeks n when i had first ultra sound after waterbreak Doctor told me that it was extra amniotic fluid which has gushed out.so please could u tell me what was the reason for extra amniotic fluid fluid n wt precaution should be taken next so that it should not happened again

By Midwife @Tommys on 18 Jul 2017 - 09:33

Hi, thank you for your message. I'm sorry to hear you have experienced some loss of loss at 22 weeks - I hope you have had good care and support during this time. Its a little difficult to comment on what you have been told without further details - results of the scan, what tests have been carried out, health of yourself and baby etc. If you email us at [email protected] we can hopefully help you with any queries/concerns you may have.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 30 Jun 2017 - 19:43

I had my scan yesterday which showed there was no fluid around baby, I had felt them go about 7 days before, and again 5 days before my scan, I was told I had likely wet myself! also on the scan showed possible concerns with the heart but this could have been due to how baby was laying, I have an appointment at another hospital in 3 days as they deal with fetal medicine, Babys kidneys formed and showed bladder was full. I do not have any infection I'm just worried about the outcome and what may happen.

By Midwife @Tommys on 3 Jul 2017 - 11:48

Hi
We are sorry that your waters have gone at this early stage but it is good that you have found our information to help you to reduce your risks and give your baby the best chance possible. Best wishes x

By Rahab (not verified) on 27 Jun 2017 - 16:32

hey my water broke at 17 weeks was admitted in hospital for whole week I had no infection I was given antibiotics and went home ...right now the water still comes out time to time ...what are the chances of giving birth to a normal baby right now am 23weeks..am worried

By Midwife @Tommys on 27 Jun 2017 - 16:40

Hi Rahab

I am sorry to hear that this has happened to you. The person best placed to go through this with you, is your obstetric consultant. They can give you advice relating directly to your own risk factors as i do not know your full medical and obstetric history in order to be able to give you accurate advice relating to your current situation.
I hope that you are being closely monitored with regular check ups, scans and bloods? This would be the minimum that you should be offered.
Please do feel free to call us if you need further advice or assistance with your concerns- we are happy to help!

By Fanci (not verified) on 13 Jun 2017 - 16:38

By Midwife @Tommys on 14 Jun 2017 - 09:15

Hi,
I am very sorry to receive your message today. There are lots of different factors to consider when a woman's waters break prematurely. If you could email back with more information about your pregnancies: [email protected] or call on 0800 0147 800 we could discuss your history in more detail. I hope to be in touch today.
Anna- Tommy's Midwife

By Anonymous (not verified) on 8 Jun 2017 - 09:52

Dear midwife,
My water broke on Tuesday night and have been in the hospital, scan showed that my baby is alive but have no amniotic fluid left. I have been very worried as the doctors have said the decision on what next to do is my hands. I have been on antibiotics and my temperature and pulse has been under control. However I started sporting blood this morning. Just not too sure of what to do. And I'm in a country where resources and facility to take care of cases like this is 0%. Please I need your kind advise. What are the chances of my baby's survival?
Regards.

By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jun 2017 - 11:53

Hi, we are sorry to hear that you are in hospital and what you are going through, it must be very worrying at this time. When waters break early, this does increase the chance of premature birth so being in hospital and under close observation is this right place for you to be right now. It is good that you have been taking antibiotics and that there are no signs of an infection at this stage. It is understandable that you are worried for you and your baby. It is difficult to predict any outcomes at this stage but as you are already in hospital, we would advice that you ask to speak to whoever is caring from you at this time, be it a midwife or your doctors. They will be able to look at your hospital notes and explain what the plan of care is going forward. Remain positive and try and rest when you can. You can always contact the midwives directly here on 0800 0147 800 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or email [email protected] Take Care Tommy's Midwives x

By Rossy (not verified) on 28 May 2017 - 22:50

I have just experienced a water break i am 17 weeks pregnant I have observed this first water break after having sex is this a sign of any danger to my baby please reply me as soon as possible i am worried

By Midwife @Tommys on 31 May 2017 - 09:28

Hi Rossy. It is really very important if you have not already done so, for you to seek urgent review at a&e if your waters have broken at 17 weeks. If left un-diagnosed, you are at risk of a nasty infection. Please do take good care of yourself and feel free to call us on 0800 01047800.

By Miss SA (not verified) on 27 May 2017 - 23:43

Hi

I am currently 35 weeks pregnant, my waters broke exactly 2 weeks ago.. 3 days ago I noticed I have a very painful cyst or could possibly be a abscess around the private area.. it is growing in size & getting more painful! Could this have any affect on the babies Health?

By Midwife @Tommys on 31 May 2017 - 09:32

Hi Miss SA
If your waters broke two weeks ago, i would hope that your midwife and obstetric team are closely monitoring you and that you are on antibiotics?!
It sounds like you really do need to take yourself into hospital to have the lump assessed and treated urgently.
Please take good care of yourself!

By Anonymous (not verified) on 7 May 2017 - 06:09

By Midwife @Tommys on 8 May 2017 - 12:15

Thank you for your comment.
If you are not sure if your water has broken, it is very important that you contact your pregnancy unit for advice-they should ask you to come in for an urgent check up to ensure that you and your baby are well and also to do some tests to confirm if the water has broken or not-this can include an internal examination with a speculum which lets the doctor look more closely at the neck of the womb to se if there is any water leaking or if there is any other cause for the discharge.
Increased vaginal discharge is very common in pregnancy, but this should be white or clear sticky mucus. Anything different to this should always be checked.

I have attached a link that you may find helpful-
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/symptom-checker/discharge-pregnancy

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice or call our helpline 0800 0147 800

By Midwife @Tommys on 2 May 2017 - 15:12

I am really sorry to hear that you have been told that there is no fluid around your little one at the scan. This condition is called oligohydramnios.

You don't mention in your post if there is any infection but your membranes haven't ruptured so are the doctors able to identify what is causing the reduced production of fluid?

I am afraid it is not possible to increase amniotic fluid around the baby, there is no medication or anything that you can eat or drink that will do this.

There should be an opportunity to have a discussion with your obstetrician so that you have a management plan and you know what to expect if the fluid around your baby is not increasing and how this impacts your baby's development. If you can take a list of questions with you to your appointment and always have the support of your partner or close friend/relative at each hospital visit.

The risks associated with oligohydramnios depend upon the gestation of the pregnancy Ashley. Amniotic fluid is vital to each baby's development. The baby has room to move and grow and the fluid protects the baby’s cord from being compressed. The fluid allows development of limbs, muscles, lungs and gut. The earlier the lack of fluid is identified the more concern we have for the baby's development which is severely affected without it.

I can only imagine how worrying this must be for you. This ‘wait and see’ approach is a very difficult situation to be in.

By Janice (not verified) on 10 Apr 2017 - 19:13

27 weeks pregnant and lost all embryonic fluid I have Brown and yellowish discharge my babies heart rate is 170 to 190 and the doctor still want to keep to the baby in. I may have an infection but they say my white blood cells are normal what should I do ?

By Midwife @Tommys on 11 Apr 2017 - 13:00

Hi, I am sorry to hear that you are having a difficult pregnancy and that your waters having broken early. When this happens it is balance of trying to keep the baby inside you for as long as is safe and as long as you are well. It is very difficult to be able to advise you fully as we do not have your full medical and obstetric history and I do not have access to your notes and the baby's heart rate monitoring etc. It is important to ask to speak with the doctor or midwife looking after you to make sure you understand everything and that you have had a chance to speak with the neonatal team also about having a premature baby. You can also ask for a second opinion too. If you would like to speak further please email us [email protected] with more information.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 6 Apr 2017 - 09:59

I lost my first baby due to my waters breaking at 19 weeks. After tests and post mortem there was no known cause and we were given the all clear to try again. We were told it was just bad luck. Unfortunately it recently happened a second time, again at 19 weeks. The doctors say there was no sign of infection or problem with my cervix. I am so confused what caused this.

By Midwife @Tommys on 6 Apr 2017 - 13:01

Hi . So sorry to hear this. If you want to talk you can call us on 0800 0147 800 and a midwife will be able to discuss this with you. We are here Monday to Friday 9-5pm. The most common risk factors for premature rupture of membranes are infection, cervical insufficiency and there is some evidence of a link to smoking more than 10 a day. However in many cases there is never a cause found and we will never know the reasons. Best wishes to you x

By Midwife @Tommys on 28 Mar 2017 - 12:17

Hi, I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing a very difficult time in your pregnancy. It is important to take each day as it comes, it is a question of on going monitoring and trying to get as fair along in your pregnancy as possible. All you can do is look after yourself both physically and emotionally. If you start to feel unwell or have any pain then to contact the hospital to be reviewed.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 23 Mar 2017 - 08:42

I lost my baby boy at 18 weeks, 6 days pregnant, just over 5 weeks ago. My pregnancy had been okay up until then, I'd had a little spotting in first trimester, but no bleeding other than that.

I had terrible morning sickness though, where I used to feel like I was pushing urine out at same time as it was that forceful (I wonder sometimes if this was actually amniotic fluid!). I started bleeding at 17 weeks, 5 days and it stopped after an hour but I went to the hospital. They said my cervix was closed and they did a scan - all fine! Then I had bleeding a few days later. Same thing but with some clots. They did internal scan and everything seemed fine - closed too. They kept me in overnight and the abdominal scan the following morning confirmed very low amniotic fluid. They said there was nothing they could do. So, I went home. By the next week I started bleeding again at the evening, had contractions (I didn't realise this is what was happening) and woke up to find the umbilical cord hanging down outside of me.

I delivered my boy the next day. I am still devastated. I just wondered, what are the chances of this happening again?? I have no idea why it happened. I did have some yellow discharge for a couple of weeks and was due to go for swabs but lost my boy before these were done. Could this be a reason? I'm lost.

By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Mar 2017 - 15:24

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your cherished baby boy and can understand your devastation. You must be full of questions and seeking answers to make some sense of it. You are most welcome to call us on 0800 0147 800 for some support or for any questions. Without more information I would not be able to tell you if you would have an increased risk in a future pregnancy as there could be many reasons why this happened. I hope that you will have an appointment with your consultant to discuss it in the next few weeks. Best wishes and please contact us if we can discuss this further with you. x

By Natassia (not verified) on 27 Feb 2017 - 03:18

My waters broke on Sunday morning and I am now experiencing back pain which the midwife has gave tablets for but doesn't seem to be helping with the pain. Slight tightening of the abdomen. Does this mean I am going into labour?